Author: Lindsay

Dior ‘Diorshow’ Brow Styler

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For a long time, I have used Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Gel to tame my brows. I would occasionally fill in with a stray brow pencil but usually I’d rely on the clear gel alone. It worked great but I was finding more and more I needed more color for a really polished look. I was browsing blogs and came across a glowing review of Dior ‘Diorshow’ Brow Styler. So I headed to the store and snagged one for myself.

At the store, the sales person told me she has to keep the samples of the Styler behind the counter because the other brands’ artists kept stealing the beloved brow product for their own makeup kit. The slick bullet packaging seems delicate and fine. This makes for a precise application. I like that the formula can reshape and define while still looking natural. I picked up the Universal Dark Brown for a more dramatic look. But the original Universal Brown probably would work too. I flip to the other side of the styler for the brush to finish and blend. I supposed I could still use my gel to set the look, but I don’t feel like I need it for day-to-day makeup.

Available at Nordstrom.

Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Cream

Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Cream on Belle Belle Beauty

Most skin care products I’ve tried the last couple months have been designed to fight redness. Some with that have worked and some not so much. When I discovered the Cicapair Collection by Dr. Jart, I knew I had to get my hands on a product from the lineup. The inspiration is the legend that Asian Tigers rolled in an ingredient, Centella Asiatica or Tiger Grass, to heal wounds. Its medicinal capabilities have been noted for generations to fight against inflammation, redness or wounds.

I chose the Cicapair Tiger Grass Cream to try first – I almost purchased the one with SPF but decided on the simple cream because I wanted to use it at night. I love the Dr. Jart tubes and the cream is easy to dispense. It absorbs quickly and smells fresh and clean. Over the last month, I have been using AM (under SPF) and PM and I do think my redness has improved on my cheeks. Plus I love the rich, nourishing moisture especially in the dry winter weather. The formula is infused with sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium hydrate and revive fatigued skin. This past weekend, it was exactly what I needed after using some harsher masks to correct some clogged pores.

While I purchased it to fight redness, it also helps with uneven skin tone and blemishes. Free from artificial fragrance or color, denatured alcohol, triethanolamine, sulfate-based surfactants, triclosan, mineral oil, propylene glycol, and DEA. Available at Sephora.

Tata Harper Skincare Rejuvenating Serum

Tata Harper Skincare Rejuvenating Serum on Belle Belle Beauty

One reason I appreciate organic skin care is simplicity. Sometimes boiling down ingredients to their simplest and most natural makes them work in an elegant way. Out of the many organic and natural skin care brands I have tried, Tata Harper remains my favorite. The products can be a little pricey. But I really believe you get what you pay for. The packaging is exquisite, the efficacy is unmatched and the formulas are thoughtful. My newest favorite product from the lineup is the Tata Harper Skincare Rejuvenating Serum.

This concentrated product is designed to smooth and hydrate skin. It is an easy step to add two pumps into both my AM and PM routine. I’ve had zero irritation with the addition of this product and it even plays nicely with my retinol product. The Hyaluronic Acid, antioxidants, and vitamins have lent to a healthy glow. The consistency is slightly on the creamier side, which makes me feel like it is more nourishing than other serums. Follow with moisturizer and then a spray of Tata Harper’s Hydrating Floral Essence (another new favorite from the line).

Available at Nordstrom and Tata Harper.

La Roche-Posay Rosaliac CC Cream Daily Complete Tone-Correcting Face Cream SPF 30

La Roche-Posay Rosaliac CC Cream Daily Complete Tone-Correcting Face Cream SPF 30 on Belle Belle Beauty

I battle a red skin tone all year but these colder days, it really seems to flare up. While I found a prescription solution that works well, it is expensive and not pleasant to use. So I thought I would give La Roche-Posay Rosaliac CC Cream Daily Complete Tone-Correcting Face Cream SPF 30 a whirl when I spotted it on the web.

This tinted cream provides nice coverage with a dose of moisturizer. I thought I would need to layer a separate moisturizer under this, but on more humid days, this is actually enough on its own. The natural extract, Ambophenol helps reduce visible redness. The shade works perfectly on my light-to-medium skin and I think would work on a wide range of tones. Note: might be problematic on those on the edges of the skin tone spectrum.

The creamy texture lends to a dewy finish that lasts through the day. I add just a little powder on my nose for added coverage but that’s it. And most of my redness is neutralized. The little bit that does show through looks more like a rosy glow. I love that this serves as both makeup and skincare. And the significant SPF adds to peace of mind.

Available at Amazon.

Le Labo ‘Santal 33’ Eau de Parfum

Le Labo 'Santal 33' Eau de Parfum on Belle Belle Beauty

Our family isn’t huge on big presents, but we do like to spoil ourselves with things we normally wouldn’t buy for ourselves. And my family came through with something I’ve had my eye on for several years. I was in San Francisco back in October and visited Le Labo to confirm my lust for Santal. At happy hour that evening, my friend with fabulous taste, Lauren, confirmed that it was indeed my scent. And low and beyond, Santa delivered!

My impression of Le Labo over the years has been somewhat unusual fragrances that are honest to the soul and packaged exquisitely. Santal is inspired by a “classic image of a man and his horse in front of the fire on a great plain under tall, blue evening skies—a defining image of the spirit of the American West”. No one ever accused me of loving overly feminine fragrances. This isn’t for those girly girls. But it does have a woodsy, rich scent that smells rustic and but clean. The notes:

  • Top: violet accord, cardamom.
  • Middle: iris, papyrus, ambrox.
  • Base: cedarwood, leather, sandalwood.

More and more these days, I have been appreciative of brands like Le Labo in making a scent I love that is vegan, not tested on animals and made in the USA.

Purchased at Nordstrom.